Cllr David Chance has been elected as the fourth chair of North Yorkshire Council following a vote at the authority’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. He succeeds Cllr George Jabbour and will hold the position for the next 12 months, a period that concludes with the first all-out elections since the council’s inception.
New Leadership for the 2026-2027 Term
The appointment of Cllr David Chance, alongside newly appointed vice-chair Cllr John Ritchie of the Woodlands division, marks a shift in leadership as the council enters a critical year. Cllr Chance has pledged to use his tenure to promote the work of the authority and ensure local democracy remains accessible to all communities across the region.
His term leads directly into the elections scheduled for May 6, 2027. These will be the first full elections held since North Yorkshire Council launched in April 2023, providing residents with a direct opportunity to influence the long-term direction of the county. Cllr Chance noted that his priority is to ensure local democracy operates effectively for both residents and businesses during this transition.
Cllr Chance’s 15-Year Record in Public Service
Cllr David Chance has served as a councillor for 15 years, beginning his career with the former Scarborough Borough Council in 2011. He has held various portfolios, including tourism and culture, and was elected to represent the Whitby and Mayfield-cum-Mulgrave division in 2013. His experience includes a decade-long tenure on the council’s executive, overseeing stronger communities and public health initiatives.
Beyond the council chamber, Cllr Chance has been a board member for the Stephen Joseph Theatre and worked on the North York Moors National Park Authority. His background in tourism and the creative industries is expected to inform his approach to the chair’s role, particularly regarding regional development and local projects in Scarborough that are currently reshaping the local economy.
Professional Background in Tourism and Arts
Before entering local government, Cllr Chance had a diverse career in tourism and entertainment across Whitby, Teesside, and Scotland. He previously managed arts and tourist services in Cambridge and led the Ayrshire and Burns Country Tourist Board. After running his own business representing actors and directors for 25 years, he retired in 2020 to focus on his duties with North Yorkshire Council.
Source: North Yorkshire Council
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